Pa. Stage Co. To Open 'True West' Wednesday Curtain Rises

February 17, 1985|Sunday Call-Chronicle.

"True West," Sam Shepard's work of pathos and humor, will open Wednesday at the Pennsylvania Stage Company's J.I. Rodale Theatre, 837 Linden St., Allentown. The drama, which played for two years to packed houses Off Broadway, will open here Wednesday (with a Tuesday night preview) and continue until March 24. Pam Pepper, the Stage Company's associate director and literary manager, is directing the production.

Two performances, one at noon March 21 and the other at 8 p.m. March 22, will be sign-interpreted for the deaf. Candace Brecker, a founder of the New York theatrical interpreting company Hands On, will interpret the play. Ms. Brecker interpreted Stage Company presentations of "Children of a Lesser God" last season and "A Christmas Carol" this season.

In "True West," prize-winning playwright Shepard creates contrasting views of the American West through two brothers, Austin and Lee. Austin, a Hollywood screenwriter, represents the American dream of upward mobility and reason, while Lee, a petty thief, symbolizes rugged individualism and chaos. The author's dark humor emerges when the two chief characters switch roles.

Stephen C. Prutting, who portrays Austin, recently returned from Chicago, where he worked with the Steppenwolf Theatre in "Our Town" and at the Goodman Theatre in "The Time of Your Life." He has directed and acted in many productions at the 13th Street Theatre in Greenwich Village. Recent film credits include "Tootsie" and "Ragtime."

Jay Patterson, who plays Lee, received an Outer Critics Circle nomination for his portrayal of Harold in "K2" on Broadway. He has been featured in productions at the Guthrie Theatre, the Center Stage in Baltimore, the Aspen Playwrights Conference and the Cincinnati Playhouse. One of the founders of the Playhouse by the River Company in Mount Bethel, he appeared there in "Of Mice and Men" and in "The Woolgatherer." His film credits include "Places in the Heart" and the soon-to-be-released "Heaven Help Us."

Preparation for the two sign-interpreted performances of "True West" was accomplished by PSC Outreach director Marlene Johnson and Hands On consultant Beth Prevor. Ms. Prevor outlined production requirements, including the best locations for the interpreter, the lighting and audience seating. A deaf person will critique an interpreted rehearsal, and ushers, able to converse in sign language, will be provided during the special performances.

The Telephone Pioneers of America, a voluntary association of industrial employees, has provided the Stage Company with a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf, which allows deaf people to call the box office for information. The number is 433-3396 and is open noon-8 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Underwriting for 35 tickets for the deaf has been offered by the Allentown Chapter of the Sertoma Club.

Performances of "True West" begin at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. A noon matinee is scheduled Thursdays, and Sunday performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. For reservations, call 433-3394.

Registration is open for courses in acting techniques and advanced scene study, plus classes for young people, for the Stage Company's spring term, March 4-April 27. For details, call Marlene Johnson at 434-6110.

ALLENTOWN COLLEGE

ACT ONE, Allentown College Theatre, will open a 10-performance run of "The Playboy of the Western World" Wednesday. The presentations will take place on the Main Stage of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts in Center Valley.

Set in an Irish pub in County Mayo at the turn of the century, the John Millington Synge comedy stars Christopher Mullen as Christie Mahon, a young man who entrances others by telling tall tales. Although Mahon came to the district to hide from the law, the villagers proclaim him a hero after he confesses his deeds. Mullen, a sophomore theater major, most recently played Kingsley in "Stage Door." He has also appeared in "Under the Gaslight" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and portrayed Jesus Christ in "Mark My Word!"

Beth Dannenfelser plays Pegeen Mike, the pub owner's daughter who competes with the Widow Quinn for Christie's affection. A junior majoring in theater, Miss Dannenfelser recently was seen as Linda in "Stage Door" and Cindy in "The Desperate Hours."

Curtain time is 8 p.m. for all performances except for March 3, when there will be a 2 p.m. matinee. Seats are available for all performances. Call the box office at 282-3192 for reservations and information on group rates.

TOUCHSTONE

Touchstone Theater, the Bethlehem-based mime troupe which recently won a first-place award in the International Festival of the Arts in Edinburgh, Scotland, will be in residence at Kutztown University Tuesday-Thursda y. All events will take place in the Georgian Room.